2026 Australian Open Wildcard List as of January 3

Highlights

Venus Williams Makes History: At 45 years old, the seven-time Grand Slam champion returns to Melbourne Park as a wildcard, set to become the oldest woman to compete in the Australian Open main draw in the Open Era.
Global Talent Secure Spots: The main draw will feature international standouts who earned their places through qualifying events and reciprocal deals, including China’s Bu Yunchaokete and the USA’s Elizabeth Mandlik.
Aussies Lead the Charge: A strong contingent of local favorites has been rewarded, with experienced campaigners like James Duckworth and Rinky Hijikata joining rising stars such as Priscilla Hon and teen sensation Emerson Jones.

MELBOURNE, Australia (January 3, 2026) – The complete list of wildcard recipients for the 2026 Australian Open has been finalized, with a mix of rising stars, seasoned veterans, and one undeniable legend set to grace Melbourne Park this month.

In a move that has electrified tennis fans worldwide, seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams has been awarded the eighth and final women’s singles wildcard. At 45 years old, the American icon will break the record as the oldest woman to compete in the Australian Open main draw in the Open Era, surpassing the mark previously held by Kimiko Date.

The Legend Returns

Williams’ return to Melbourne marks her first appearance at the “Happy Slam” since 2021. After an impressive comeback tour in the latter half of 2025—which saw her push Karolina Muchova to three sets at the US Open and secure a match win in Washington D.C.—Williams is looking to add another chapter to her storied career.

“I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer,” Williams said in a statement. “I’ve had so many incredible memories there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to my career.”

International Standouts

Joining Williams in the main draw are several international players who earned their spots through regional play-offs and reciprocal agreements.

Asia-Pacific Qualifiers: China’s Bu Yunchaokete and Kazakhstan’s Zarina Diyas secured their places by winning the Asia-Pacific Wildcard Play-off in Chengdu last month. For Bu, this continues his rise as China’s No. 1 male player, while Diyas returns to the main stage after battling injuries.
The American Contingent: Alongside Williams, fellow Americans Patrick Kypson and Elizabeth Mandlik earned their spots by winning the USTA Wildcard Challenge. Mandlik, the daughter of four-time major champion Hana Mandlíková, will look to make her mark at the tournament her mother won twice.
French Flair: Through the reciprocal agreement with the French Tennis Federation (FFT), wildcards were awarded to Kyrian Jacquet and the rising teen sensation Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah. Rajaonah is one to watch, having claimed her maiden WTA 250 title in São Paulo in late 2025.

Aussie Hopefuls

Tennis Australia has also rewarded a strong contingent of local talent.

On the men’s side, experienced campaigner James Duckworth and crowd favorite Rinky Hijikata have been granted entry. Hijikata, who reached the fourth round of the US Open in 2023, is aiming to replicate that success on home soil.

The women’s local wildcards highlight the depth of Australia’s next generation. Priscilla Hon receives a nod following a career-best season where she broke into the Top 100. She is joined by talented youngsters Talia Gibson, Taylah Preston, and Emerson Jones, all of whom have shown strong form on the ITF and WTA circuits over the past 12 months.

Confirmed 2026 Australian Open Wildcards

Men’s Singles	Women’s Singles
Bu Yunchaokete (CHN)	Venus Williams (USA)
James Duckworth (AUS)	Zarina Diyas (KAZ)
Rinky Hijikata (AUS)	Elizabeth Mandlik (USA)
Kyrian Jacquet (FRA)	Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah (FRA)
Patrick Kypson (USA)	Priscilla Hon (AUS)
Reciprocal/Discretionary TBA	Talia Gibson (AUS)
Reciprocal/Discretionary TBA	Taylah Preston (AUS)
Reciprocal/Discretionary TBA	Emerson Jones (AUS)